More than two years after road access and electrical power to the Mauna Loa Observatory was cut off by lava flows, NOAA staff continue to make critical measurements of the atmosphere and other environmental variables at the remote site.
In 2023, observatory staff installed solar panels at the site and resumed some measurements, including the independent carbon dioxide monitoring programs run by the Global Monitoring Laboratory and Scripps Institution of Oceanography, as well as other atmospheric measurements.
Construction of a temporary road to access the observatory site is anticipated to begin in summer 2025.
Media can contact: Theo Stein (303) 819-7409 (theo.stein@noaa.gov)
Organization(s):
What does this program measure? The program will measure trace metals and mercury as well as cations and anions in precipitation. How does this program work? An automated collection system capable of collecting event (24 hour integrated) wet-only precipitation samples will be used when this program begins. Each rain event will consist of one sample collected in a Teflon bottle for mercury analysis and one sample collected in a polypropylene bottle for major ions and trace elements analysis. Why is this research important? Scientists collect event precipitation samples for total mercury. Are there any trends in the data? Not applicable (program has not yet begun). How does this program fit into the big picture? What is it's role in global climate change? Comments and References Data is going to be collected at the Hakalau Forest Reserve. |
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